Spring Fashion Trends

share it

Your sartorial spirit might be feeling a little fuzzy still, but we have a feeling that today's story will be just the restorative tonic you need. After all, even the gloomiest weather or most sullen spirits are no match for the fizzy delight of a sneak peek at all the best Spring 2010 Fashion TrendsÂ--right? Whether it's the refreshing palette of pretty pastel colors or the optic pop of digital graphic prints, you're sure to find a little feel-good inspiration in next season's styles. Best of all: the only thing that's required is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Extreme Wedges
There are lots of shoe styles to consider this springÂ--like the clog, per Chanel, or the kitten heelÂ--but the one we love best is big, bold, and beautiful: the extreme wedge. From wooden and bright, as seen at Proenza Schouler, to the crazy Jersey Print Open Toe Wedges ($1723) at Givenchy, to the macaron-hued Dior Bonnie Wedges ($1150), one thing's for certain: these mighty wedges are going to have a serious presence in a few months!
Images from left: Proenza Schouler, Dior

All-Weather Leather
One of the first things we noticed at the Spring 10 shows was the profusion of leather items. For us, standout items include the saucy black shorts at Charlotte Ronson, an amazing buttery blonde tank at 3.1 Phillip Lim, plus numerous pieces at The Row, Celine, Balmain, and Balenciaga. All in all we can confidentially tell you that designers used leather in beautiful and unexpected ways.
Images from left: Charlotte Ronson, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Karl Lagerfeld

Accessory Overkill
In seasons' past, typically there's a key jewelry pieces to purchaseÂ--like fall's chunky choker, for example. But for spring, it's not so much what you wear, it's how much you wear! To sum it up in a phrase, we'll simply say: get ready for an accessory overload. That's right, start practicing piling it on, as the runways showed big earrings, chunky necklaces, and even huge hair clips and headbands, all worn together. We're going to start working on our own version of Dolce & Gabbana's Multi Charm Necklace ($1924) and Bracelet ($714) now!
Images from left: Dolce and Gabbana, Moschino (top), Bottega Veneta (bottom)

Lingerie Galore
For fall, we pointed out plunging necklines and the rise of the "lingerie display"; this time around the underpinnings are everything. In addition to the super sheer looks at Fendi and the silky tap pants at Dior (truly darling), corsets are also having a major moment and played a pivotal role at Jean Paul Gaultier, Bottega Venetta, and even Alexander Wang.
Images from left: Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana

Pretty Pastels
After eons of black, charcoal, and ink, it's finally time to refresh your closet with an assortment of softly pastel shades. In addition to nudes galore (we mean the color, of course), the spring runways were overwhelmingly graced with delicate tones from the likes of Burberry Prorsum, Viktor & Rolf, and one of our favorites, Jonathan Saunders.
Images clockwise from left: Burberry Prorsum, Viktor & Rolf, Jonathan Saunders,

Mid-Blue Hues
The next big thing in the denim department isn't a fit or a detailÂ--it's a tone. That's right, after loads of acid-washed '80s looks, it's time to take break from all that hoopla and reach for mid-blue hues instead. It's super versatile, and can have everything from vaguely '70s air (see Chloe) to a modern moto warrior vibe (Ã la Herve Leger).
Images clockwise from left: Stella McCartney, Chloe, Herve Leger

Manicured Ruffles
Something about spring tends to put designers in a romantic mood. But this year, we're seeing a stricter version of these traditionally super girly looks, as demonstrated by the clipped ruffles seen at Marc Jacobs, Valentino, and Preen. Densely packed and semi-cropped, these nouveau ruffles are a bit tougher than past iterations and look completely fresh for the season.
Images clockwise from left: Valentino, Preen, Marc Jacobs

Digital Prints
As longtime WhoWhatWear.com readers know, we always stress the importance of paying attention to the key prints shown each season. This spring, there are loads of patterns to go aroundÂ--from lovely florals (stunning at Erdem, abstract at Costume National) to ikat for ages (see Gucci and Marc Jacobs)Â--but we're most intrigued by the digital styles. Whether it's striking and strong, per Balenciaga, or optical and graphic Ã la Givenchy's Optical Camouflage Print Cady Jacket ($3227) and Jersey Leggings
($832), the digital print is tops!
Images from left: Givenchy, Balenciaga, Versace

Cut-Out Dresses
You're sure to hear a great deal of buzz about spring's sporty looks (football references at Alexander Wang, tennis at Hermes, karate at Bottega Venetta), but rather than hitting this obvious reference, we think you should focus on a naughtier aspect of said trend: the cut-out dress. From a simple slash at the neckline at Balenciaga to absent bodice bits at Miu Miu, skin-showing frocks are sure to score this season.
Images from left: Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Gucci

Khaki Craze
Last, but certainly not (repeat: not) least, we have what is perhaps the most pervasive and popular trend for Spring 2010Â--the khaki craze! More military than safari, there were enough dust-colored separates, cargo-pocketed pieces, and fabulous flak jackets to outfit an entire fashion army. Choose your own khaki obsession from a huge range of runways, ranging from the bondage-accented items at Phi to the glam interpretations at Oscar de la Renta.
Images from left: Max Mara, Phi, Oscar de la Renta